Fluid flow control devices and related systems and methods

ABSTRACT

AB STRACT Fluid flow control devices and related systems and methods may include a body or housing and a plug at least partially positioned in the body or housing to define a flow path. In a position of the plug, the plug and the body or housing may collectively define a fluid flow path.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.17/140,011, filed Jan. 1, 2021, for “FLUID FLOW CONTROL DEVICES ANDRELATED SYSTEMS AND METHODS, which application claims the benefit of thefiling date of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/961,582,filed Jan. 15, 2020, for “FLUID FLOW CONTROL DEVICES AND RELATED SYSTEMSAND METHODS,” the disclosure of each of which is incorporated herein inits entirety by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to fluid flow control devices.For example, embodiments of the present disclosure relate to devicesconfigured to alter at least one characteristic and/or property (e.g.,pressure) of fluid passing through the control valve and relatedsystems, assemblies, and methods.

BACKGROUND

In many areas of industry, it is often necessary to reduce the pressureand energy of fluids (both liquids and gases) within a pipeline orvalve. One or more control devices may be employed for this purpose.Various designs for control devices have been presented. For example, adevice may be employed to divide the flow through the device into aplurality of separate streams configured as a plurality of tortuousfluid flow paths within the device, which fluid paths may beinterconnected or separated. As fluid passes through the tortuous fluidflow paths, the fluid changes direction many times. Furthermore, as thefluid travels through the tortuous fluid flow paths, the overallcross-sectional area of the fluid flow path may increase to provide adecrease in the velocity of the fluid within the flow path. The fluidpressure and energy of the fluid is partially dissipated along suchpaths as a result of losses caused by friction between walls of thepath, rapid changes in fluid direction and expansion or contractionchambers. These devices may include what are commonly referred to astortuous path trim devices.

A fluid flow control device is often provided within a body of a valve,such as a control valve, having a body that is conventionally configuredto direct the fluid from an inlet towards the hollow, cylindrical fluidflow control device. The valve may also be configured to direct fluidpassing through the fluid flow control device to the exterior thereoftowards a fluid outlet. The valve may include a piston, ball, disk, orother device configured to be inserted into a central region of thevalve to interrupt fluid flow through the valve and to close the valve.

Pressurized fluids contain stored mechanical potential energy. A fluidflow control device dissipates this energy by reducing the pressure andvelocity of the fluid. As the fluid flows through the fluid pathways,the fluid flow may be turbulent. Turbulent fluid has associated pressureand velocity fluctuations that act upon the structural elements of thepipes and fluid control devices in which the fluid is flowing. Pressureand velocity fluctuations may be accompanied by other problems such aserosion, noise, vibration, and cavitation, which is generally caused byfluid pressure drop. In many applications, these accompanying problemsare undesirable or unacceptable characteristics of a fluid flow controldevice. Conventional fluid flow control devices have not adequatelylimited problems associated with pressure and velocity fluctuationsassociated with fluids.

BRIEF SUMMARY

Various embodiments of the present disclosure comprise fluid flowcontrol devices, systems, and methods that overcome many of the problemsof conventional fluid flow control devices and offer operation benefits.The present disclosure describes embodiments of flow control devicesthat include fluid paths configured to better control cavitation,vibration, and other problems associated with fluid flow control.

In some embodiments, a fluid flow control device may including a bodydefining at least one fluid inlet, at least one fluid outlet, and aportion of a fluid flow channel connecting the at least one fluid inletand the at least one fluid outlet; and a plug positioned at leastpartially within the body and defining at least one aperture through theplug, the at least one aperture of the plug defining another portion ofthe fluid flow channel. Where, in a first position of the plug, the atleast one aperture is configured to be aligned with the fluid flowchannel to define an at least partially tortuous path between the atleast one fluid inlet and the at least one fluid outlet; and in a secondposition of the plug, the at least one aperture is configured to atleast partially block the fluid flow channel to at least partiallyinhibit fluid flow along the fluid flow channel.

In some embodiments, a fluid flow control system includes a fluid inlet;a fluid outlet; and a valve having a fluid flow control devicepositioned between the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet. The fluidcontrol device defines a fluid pathway between the fluid inlet and thefluid outlet. The fluid flow control device includes a housing having atleast one connecting passageway defined in the housing; and a plugpositioned at least partially within the housing. Where, in a firstposition of the plug, one or more openings in the plug and at least oneconnecting passageway in the housing are configured to define the fluidpathway between the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet; and, in a secondposition of the plug, the plug is configured to at least partiallyinhibit fluid flow along the fluid pathway between the fluid inlet andthe fluid outlet.

Additional embodiments include a method of reducing a pressure in afluid with a fluid flow control device. The method includes positioninga plug in a housing in a first closed position to at least partiallyinhibit fluid flow through the fluid flow control device; andpositioning the plug in the housing in a second open position to enablethe fluid flow through the fluid flow control device. The positioningthe plug in the housing in the second open position including directingthe fluid flow through an inlet in the fluid flow control device;directing the fluid flow through an aperture in the plug; alteringdirection of the fluid flow; and directing the fluid flow through anoutlet in the fluid flow control device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic of a system including a fluid flow control deviceaccording to embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a partial cross-sectional view of a fluid flow control deviceaccording to embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 3 is a side view of a fluid flow control device according toembodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 4 is a portion of a fluid flow control device according toembodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 5 is a side view of a fluid flow control device according toembodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 6 is a partial cross-sectional view of a fluid flow control deviceaccording to embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 7 is a partial cross-sectional view of a fluid flow control deviceaccording to embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 8 is a graphical representation of a pressure profile of a fluidflow control device according to embodiments of the disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The illustrations presented herein are, in some instances, not actualviews of any particular fluid flow control device or related system orcomponent, but are merely idealized representations which are employedto describe the present disclosure. In the following detaileddescription, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which forma part hereof, and in which is shown, by way of illustration, specificembodiments in which the disclosure may be practiced. These embodimentsare described in sufficient detail to enable a person of ordinary skillin the art to practice the disclosure. However, other embodiments may beutilized, and structural, logical, and electrical changes may be madewithout departing from the scope of the disclosure.

The illustrations presented herein are not meant to be actual views ofany particular device or system, but are merely idealizedrepresentations that are employed to describe embodiments of the presentdisclosure. The drawings presented herein are not necessarily drawn toscale. Additionally, elements common between drawings may retain thesame or have similar numerical designations.

As used herein, relational terms, such as “first,” “second,” “top,”“bottom,” etc., are generally used for clarity and convenience inunderstanding the disclosure and accompanying drawings and do notconnote or depend on any specific preference, orientation, or order,except where the context clearly indicates otherwise.

As used herein, the term “and/or” means and includes any and allcombinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

As used herein, the terms “vertical” and “lateral” refer to theorientations as depicted in the figures.

As used herein, the term “substantially” or “about” in reference to agiven parameter means and includes to a degree that one skilled in theart would understand that the given parameter, property, or condition ismet with a small degree of variance, such as within acceptablemanufacturing tolerances. For example, a parameter that is substantiallymet may be at least 90% met, at least 95% met, at least 99% met, or even100% met.

As used herein, the term “fluid” may mean and include fluids of any typeand composition. Fluids may take a liquid form, a gaseous form, orcombinations thereof, and, in some instances, may include some solidmaterial (e.g., particulates). In some embodiments, fluids may convertbetween a liquid form and a gaseous form during a cooling or heatingprocess as described herein. In some embodiments, the term fluidincludes gases, liquids, and/or pumpable mixtures of liquids and solids.

Various embodiments of the present disclosure comprise fluid flowcontrol devices, systems, and methods that may alter at least onecharacteristic of a fluid flowing through the device (e.g., pressure,flow rate or other flow characteristic, temperature, physical state,etc.). For example, the device may provide a pressure drop (e.g., amulti-stage pressure drop), optionally with one or more expandingpassageways.

FIG. 1 is a schematic of a system 100 including a fluid flow controldevice 102. As shown in FIG. 1 , the system 100 may includes one or morecomponents for providing fluid to and/or receiving fluid from thecontrol device 102. For example, the system 100 may include an upstreamfluid inlet component 104 (e.g., a component for providing high pressurefluid, for example, from a refining, power, or oil production process)and/or a downstream fluid outlet component 106 (e.g., a component forreceiving a low pressure fluid, for example, a fluid drain). In someembodiments, the upstream fluid inlet component 104 and the downstreamfluid outlet component 106 may be inlets and outlets of the valve of thesystem 100 where the fluid flow control device 102 comprises the valveor is placed in the valve as a separate component of the overall valve.

Flow through the fluid flow control device 102 may be regulated by anactuator 108 (e.g., a manual actuator, an electronic actuator, ahydraulic actuator, etc.), optionally coupled to a control system. Thefluid flow control device 102 may alter at least one characteristicand/or property (e.g., pressure, flow rate/velocity or other flowcharacteristic, temperature, physical state, etc.) of a fluid flowingthrough the control device 102 from the fluid inlet component 104 to thefluid outlet component 106. For example, the control device 102 may actto reduce a pressure in the fluid traveling from the fluid inletcomponent 104 to the fluid outlet component 106.

FIG. 2 is a partial cross-sectional view of a fluid flow control device200 that may be similar to, and/or include any the various componentsof, any of the other fluid control devices discussed herein and utilizedin a fluid flow system (e.g., system 100 (FIG. 1 )). As shown in FIG. 2, the control device 200 may include a valve 202 having a fluid inlet205 and a fluid outlet 206. The valve 202 may include a body or ahousing 204 (e.g., outer housing) that may include an inner housing 208at least partially surrounded by an outer sleeve 210 (e.g., which may beshrink fit over the inner housing 208). A valve element or plug 212 maybe disposed in the housing 204 (e.g., within the inner housing 208) andmay be movable (e.g., rotatable, translatable, combinations thereof,etc.) relative to the housing 204. For example, example, the plug 212may rotate a select amount relative to the housing 204 (e.g.,substantially 60 degrees, 90 degrees, 180 degrees, etc.)

The plug 212 may include an upper portion (e.g., stem 213) for couplingwith an actuation device (e.g., the actuator 108 (FIG. 1 ) In someembodiments, one or more seals (e.g., O-rings, gaskets, packings) may bepositioned about the plug 212 (e.g., proximate the stem 213 and/or thefluid outlet 206) in order to provide a seal between the plug 212 andthe housing 204 to at least partially prevent fluid leakage.

In some embodiments, the fluid inlet 205 and/or outlet 206 may include aseat or seal 214 for sealing against an upstream component, a downstreamcomponent, and/or the plug 212 (e.g., fluid inlet component 104 (FIG. 1) and the plug 212). For example, the seat 214 may define the fluidinlet 205 as the seat 214 extends through the outer sleeve 210 and theinner housing 208 to the plug 212. In some embodiments, the seat 214 maycomprise an outer portion (e.g., a seat ring) for sealing against anadjacent external component (e.g., fluid inlet component 104) and aninner portion (e.g., seat ring gasket) for sealing against the plug 212.

As depicted, in a first open position of the plug 212, the housing 204and the plug 212 may define a fluid pathway 216 that is elongated withinthe housing 204 (e.g., a tortuous pathway, a meandering pathway, alabyrinthine pathway, a zigzagging pathway, etc.). For example, the plug212 may include one or more apertures 218 (e.g., holes, openings,cavities, slots, etc.) in the plug 212 (e.g., stacked along an axis, forexample a longitudinal axis L₂₁₂ of the plug 212). The fluid pathway 216may cross the longitudinal axis L₂₁₂ of the plug 212 at multiplelocations as is travel back and forth.

One or more of the apertures 218 may comprise a through-hole thatextends entirely through the plug 212 (e.g., through a width of the plug212 or in lateral direction transverse or perpendicular to thelongitudinal axis L₂₁₂ of the plug 212). For example, the apertures 218may open on either lateral side of the plug 212 with a central boreconnecting the lateral openings. As depicted, one or more of theapertures 218 (e.g., the lowermost aperture 218) may not extend entirelythrough the plug 212 in the lateral direction, but may change directionin order to extend to an opening intersecting the longitudinal axis L₂₁₂of the plug 212 (e.g., extend in a downward direction in order toconnect with the fluid outlet 206).

Each aperture 218 may connect to one or more adjacent fluid passagewaysof the housing 204 (e.g., connecting channels or passageways 220 thatare staggered along and about the plug 212). For example, a firstuppermost aperture 218 of the plug 212 may connect the fluid inlet 205with a first connecting passageway 220 in the inner housing 208 of thehousing 204 (e.g., in the depicted open position).

The first connecting passageway 220 may extend along an axis (e.g., thelongitudinal axis L₂₁₂ of the plug 212) in order to connect the firstaperture 218 (e.g., the uppermost aperture 218 as depicted in FIG. 2 )to one or more adjacent apertures 218 in the plug 212 (e.g., the seconduppermost aperture 218 as depicted in FIG. 2 ).

The second uppermost aperture 218 may connect the first connectingpassageway 220 to a second connecting passageway 220 (e.g., positionedin lateral opposition to the first connecting passageway 220 on theopposing side of the plug 212).

In some embodiments, spacing between the first and second apertures 218may be greater than the remaining apertures 218 (e.g., to facilitatepositioning of the seat 214).

A third aperture 218 may connect the second connecting passageway 220 toa third connecting passageway 220 (e.g., positioned in alignment withthe first connecting passageway 220 and in lateral opposition to thesecond connecting passageway 220 on the opposing side of the plug 212).

The third connecting passageway 220 may connect the third aperture 218to a fourth lowermost aperture 218 (e.g., the lowest aperture 218 thatdefines a portion of the fluid outlet 206).

Each of the apertures 218 in the plug 212 and the connecting passageways220 in the housing 204 may define a stage (e.g., a pressure drop stage).While the device 102 of FIG. 1 includes seven stages, otherimplementations may include more or less stages including variations ofthe number of the apertures 218 and the number of the connectingpassageways 220 as dictated by the application (e.g., three or morestages, six stages, eight to fifteen stages, or more or less, etc.).

As depicted, and as shown in greater detail below in FIGS. 3, 5, and 6 ,the connecting passageways 220 may each extend entirely through theinner housing 208 to define a lateral opening at an outermost surface ofthe inner housing 208. The outer sleeve 210 may act to enclose theoutermost portions of the connecting passageways 220 and may optionallybe sealed to the inner housing 208 (e.g., via shrink fit and/or otherO-rings, gaskets, seals, packings, etc.) in order to at least partiallyprevent fluid leakage.

As depicted, a portion of the housing 204 (e.g., the outer sleeve 210)may contain the plug 212 within the overall housing 204 (e.g., torestrict movement of the plug 212 in one or more directions along thelongitudinal axis L₂₁₂ of the plug 212).

In some embodiments, a portion of the housing 204 (e.g., the outersleeve 210) may define the fluid outlet 206. As depicted, the fluidoutlet 206 may increase in size (e.g., cross-sectional area) as itextends from the lowermost portion of the plug 212.

In some embodiments, the apertures 218 in the plug 212 and theconnecting passageways 220 in the housing 204 may each comprisesubstantially annular shapes (e.g., circular, oval, ellipse, ovoid,etc.) in order to define the fluid pathway 216 that has a substantiallyrounded shape (e.g., generally annular cross section). In additionalembodiments, the apertures 218 and/or the connecting passageway 220 maycomprise other cross-sectional shapes (e.g., square, rectangular,polygonal, etc.).

FIG. 3 is a side view of a fluid flow control device 300, which may besimilar to, and/or include any the various components of, any of theother fluid control devices discussed herein, with an associated outersleeve (e.g., outer sleeve 210 (FIG. 2 )) removed for clarity. As shownin FIG. 4 , the fluid flow control device 300 is positioned in an atleast partially closed and/or an at least partially open position whereapertures 318 in a plug 312 are only partially in communication with(e.g., exposed to) passageways 320 while a remaining area of theapertures 318 is blocked by the housing 304 (e.g., by the inner surfaceof the inner housing 308).

As discussed below, such a configuration may provide pressure drops ofvarying magnitude between stages (e.g., between each aperture 318 andadjacent passageways 320). For example, fluid traveling into the plug312 is restricted by a lateral opening of the aperture 318 that is onlypartial exposed. Once within the aperture 318, the fluid may expand tofill the central portion of the aperture 318. The rate or amount of flowof the fluid is again restricted by another lateral opening of theaperture 318 and, then again, may expand into the adjacent downstreamconnecting passageway 320. Thus, depending on the properties of thefluid, the fluid may experience a pressure drop at the transition intothe apertures 318 and/or the transition into the connecting passageway320.

As depicted, all or some of the apertures 318 may comprise substantiallyannular shapes (e.g., circular, oval, etc.) and may differ from adjacentapertures 318. Further, while the embodiment of FIG. 2 includesapertures 218 of substantially circular cross section, some or all ofthe apertures 318 may have differing cross sections (e.g., oval,ellipse, ovoid). Such a configuration may enable a user greater controlof flow through the apertures 218 as the oval cross section may provideless flow as compared to a circle cross section.

As mentioned above, the passageways 320 each extend entirely through theinner housing 308 to define a lateral opening at an outermost surface ofthe inner housing 308. An associated outer sleeve (e.g., similar toouter sleeve 210 discussed above) may enclose the outermost portions ofthe connecting passageways 320 and may optionally be sealed to the innerhousing 308 in order to at least partially prevent fluid leakage.

FIG. 4 is a portion of a fluid flow control device (e.g., plug 412 andseat 414). As shown in FIG. 4 , the plug 412 may abut with the seat 414(e.g., under fluid pressure applied to the seat 414 at the fluid inlet405) in order to form a seal between the plug 412 and the seat 414. Asdepicted, the seat 414 may have one side that has a scalloped or similarcutout shape to fit tightly with the plug 412. As the plug 412 isrotated, apertures 418 may come into and out of contact with the seat414 to enable fluid to flow from the inlet 405 into the apertures 418 ofthe plug 412 or for flow to be inhibited by a solid outer surface 422 ofthe plug 412.

FIG. 5 is a side view of a fluid flow control device 500, which may besimilar to, and/or include any the various components of, any of theother fluid control devices discussed herein, with an associated outersleeve (e.g., an at least partially tapered outer sleeve thatcomplementary to inner housing 508 of housing 504) removed for clarity.FIG. 6 is a partial cross-sectional view of the fluid flow controldevice 500.

As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 , the fluid flow control device 500 may definea fluid pathway 516 that increases in size (e.g., in cross-sectionalarea, diameter, a lateral or longitudinal direction, etc.) as the fluidpathway 516 extends or travels between a fluid inlet 505 and a fluidoutlet 506 (e.g., from the fluid inlet 505 to the fluid outlet 506).Such a configuration may act to gradually alter one or more propertiesof fluid (e.g., a pressure drop, a change in fluid flow characteristics,etc.) as the fluid travels along the fluid pathway 516 between a fluidinlet 505 and a fluid outlet 506. In such an embodiment, the fluid inlet505 may be smaller (e.g., in cross-sectional area) than the fluid outlet506 (e.g., in cross-sectional area).

As depicted, the base of the fluid flow control device 500 may be largerthan an upper portion of the fluid flow control device 500 such that thefluid flow control device 500 exhibits a conical or tapered shape. Insome embodiments, one or more of the ends of the fluid flow controldevice 500 may include a non-tapered (e.g., cylindrical) section. Forexample, both ends may comprise non-tapered end sections with a taperedsection extending between the end sections (e.g., as depicted in FIG. 5).

A plug 512 in the fluid flow control device 500 may have a complementaryconical or tapered shape (e.g., with the exclusion of upper portion ofthe plug 512 that retains a uniform cross section). Apertures 518 in theplug 512 and connecting passageways 520 in the fluid flow control device500 may each gradually decrease in size (e.g., cross sectional area) inorder to define the fluid pathway 516 that decreases in size (e.g.,cross sectional area) along its length between the fluid inlet 505 andthe fluid outlet 506.

FIG. 7 is a partial cross-sectional view of the fluid flow controldevice 700, which may be similar to, and/or include any the variouscomponents of, any of the other fluid control devices discussed herein,with an associated outer sleeve (e.g., an at least partially steppedouter sleeve that complementary to inner housing 708 of housing 704)removed for clarity. As shown in FIG. 7 , the fluid flow control device700 may define a fluid pathway 716 that increases in size (e.g., incross-sectional area, diameter, a lateral or longitudinal direction,etc.), in a similar manner to the fluid flow control device of FIGS. 5and 6 , as the fluid pathway 716 extends or travels between a fluidinlet 705 and a fluid outlet 706 (e.g., from the fluid inlet 705 to thefluid outlet 706). However, rather than a conical or tapered shape, thefluid flow control device 700 may exhibit a stepped shape where one ormore of apertures 718 in the plug 712 and connecting passageways 720 inthe fluid flow control device 700 include distinct steps 724. Forexample, the portion of the fluid flow control device 700 defining theconnecting passageways 720 may have steps 724. The plug 712 may betapered or cylindrical as above or, as depicted, may include similarsteps 726 (e.g., that interface complementarily with inter portions ofthe steps 724 of the housing 704).

Such steps 724 and the increasing size of the fluid pathway 716 may actto alter one or more properties of fluid (e.g., a pressure drop, achange in fluid flow characteristics, etc.) as the fluid travels alongthe fluid pathway 716 between a fluid inlet 705 and a fluid outlet 706and is exposed to the larger cross-sectional areas of the fluid pathway716 at each of the steps 724 (e.g., in a substantially gradual mannerwhere larger pressure drops may occur proximate the steps 724).

FIG. 8 is a graphical representation of a pressure profile of a fluidflow control device 800. As shown in FIG. 8 , the pressure in a fluidpathway 816 extending between a fluid inlet volume or component 805 to afluid outlet volume or component 806 may gradually decrease from thedarker color indicating relatively higher fluid pressure to the lightercolor indicating a relatively lower fluid pressure.

In operation, embodiments of a fluid flow control device or system(e.g., such as those discussed above) may be utilized to alter acharacteristic and/or property of a fluid traveling through the fluidflow control device or system. For example, pressure in a fluid may bereduced with the fluid flow control device by positioning the plug inthe housing in a first closed position to at least partially inhibitfluid flow through the fluid flow control device. The plug may then bepartially or entirely moved to a second open position to enable fluidflow from an inlet through the fluid flow control device and through anaperture in the plug (e.g., an aperture extending entirely through theplug from a first lateral side to a second opposing lateral side of theplug).

As discussed above, when in a partially open position, pressure dropsmay exist between each stage in the device. In a fully open position, apressure drop and/or velocity reduction may be provided (e.g., viarelatively larger volumes provided in the connecting passageways of thefluid flow control device, via a gradually expending cross section inthe portions of the fluid flow control device define the fluidpassageway, combinations thereof, etc.).

In addition to traveling through the plug, direction of the fluid flowmay by altered (e.g., on either side of the plug by connectingpassageway in the housing). After redirecting the fluid flow one or moretimes (e.g., along a tortuous fluid pathway), the fluid flow may bedirected through an outlet in the fluid flow control device.

In some embodiments, the various components discussed above may beformed by any suitable material, such as, metal materials, for example,steel, chrome, iron, metal particle matrix composites, alloys (e.g.,nickel alloys, such as, INCONEL®, stainless steel), ceramics, compositematerials, combinations thereof, etc.

Embodiments of the disclosure may be particularly useful in providingmodification of one or more properties and/or characteristics of fluidas it passes through the fluid flow control device, which may be avalve, or a component positioned in a valve. Such modification mayinclude a multi-stage pressure drop where cavitation potential, andassociated noise, is significantly reduced by the gradual and/or steppedfluid flow process. By adding more stages to the fluid flow controldevice, the risk of cavitation may be be further reduced. Further, thetortuous fluid path may be used to reduce turbulence, shear, and fluidvelocity in the fluid.

In some embodiments, the tortuous fluid path (e.g., defined by theapertures and connecting passageways) may have an internal dimension(e.g., cross-sectional area) capable of reliably handling entrainedsolids or particulates in single or multi-phase process fluids andslurries. Some embodiments may enable tight operational control of ahigh-pressure fluid traveling through the fluid flow control device inorder to at least partially prevent and/or substantially reduce thechance that unintended fluid (e.g., gas) is released when altering thepressure of the fluid (e.g., to ensure compliance with emissioncontrols).

While certain embodiments have been described and shown in theaccompanying drawings, such embodiments are merely illustrative and notrestrictive of the scope of the disclosure, and this disclosure is notlimited to the specific constructions and arrangements shown anddescribed, since various other additions and modifications to, anddeletions from, the described embodiments will be apparent to one ofordinary skill in the art. Thus, the scope of the disclosure is onlylimited by the literal language, and legal equivalents, of the claimswhich follow.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of reducing a pressure in a fluid with afluid flow control device, the method comprising: positioning a plug ina housing in a first closed position to at least partially inhibit fluidflow through the fluid flow control device; and positioning the plug inthe housing in a second open position to enable the fluid flow throughthe fluid flow control device, comprising: directing the fluid flowthrough an inlet in the fluid flow control device; directing the fluidflow through an aperture in the plug; altering direction of the fluidflow; and directing the fluid flow through an outlet in the fluid flowcontrol device.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein positioning the plugin the housing in the second open position further comprises: afteraltering direction of the fluid flow in a first direction with aconnecting passageway defined by the housing, directing the fluid flowthrough another aperture in the plug; and after directing the fluid flowthrough the another aperture in the plug, altering direction of thefluid flow in a second opposing direction that is substantially similarto the first direction.
 3. The method of claim 2, further comprisingaltering direction of the fluid flow in the second opposing directionthat is parallel to the first direction.
 4. The method of claim 3,further comprising flowing the fluid flow in the second direction thatis reverse to the first direction.
 5. The method of claim 1, whereinpositioning the plug in the housing in the second open position furthercomprises increasing a cross-sectional area of a fluid flow path as thefluid flow travels between the inlet and the outlet along a substantialentirety of a length of the fluid flow path.
 6. The method of claim 1,wherein directing the fluid flow through the aperture in the plugcomprises flowing the fluid flow through a through hole extendingentirely through a lateral width of the plug.
 7. The method of claim 1,further comprising moving the plug in the housing to the second openposition about a longitudinal axis of the plug to enable the fluid flowthrough the fluid flow control device.
 8. The method of claim 7, furthercomprising providing the fluid flow at the inlet that is positioned at afirst axial elevation on the longitudinal axis of the plug.
 9. Themethod of claim 8, further comprising exiting the fluid flow at theoutlet that is positioned at a second axial elevation on thelongitudinal axis of the plug that is axially spaced from the firstaxial elevation.
 10. The method of claim 9, further comprising flowingthe fluid through the inlet at the first axial elevation that ispositioned at a relatively higher elevation along the longitudinal axisof the plug that the outlet at the second axial elevation that ispositioned at a relatively lower elevation.
 11. The method of claim 1,wherein positioning the plug in the housing in the second open positionfurther comprises gradually increasing a cross-sectional area of asubstantial entirety of a fluid flow path as the fluid flow travels fromthe inlet to the outlet.
 12. The method of claim 1, further comprising,after directing the fluid flow through the aperture in the plug,altering direction of the fluid flow in a passageway defined by thehousing of the fluid flow control device to return the fluid flow toanother aperture defined in the plug.
 13. A method of flowing fluidthrough a fluid flow control device, the method comprising: providingthe fluid through an inlet in a body of the fluid flow control device;moving a plug positioned at least partially within the body of the fluidflow control device to open a fluid flow channel extending through thebody from the inlet to an outlet of the body; flowing the fluid throughat least one aperture defined through the plug defining a first portionof the fluid flow channel; reversing a direction of flow of the fluidthrough a passage defined in the body defining a second portion of thefluid flow channel; flowing the fluid through at least another aperturedefined through the plug defining a third portion of the fluid flowchannel in the reverse direction of the flow of the fluid; exiting thefluid through the outlet of the body; and moving the plug to at leastpartially block the fluid flow channel.
 14. The method of claim 13,further comprising gradually increasing an internal size of the fluidflow channel as the fluid flow channel extending from the inlet to theoutlet.
 15. The method of claim 13, further comprising: reversinganother direction of flow of the fluid through another passage definedin the body defining a fourth portion of the fluid flow channel; andflowing the fluid through a third aperture defined through the plugdefining a fifth portion of the fluid flow channel in the reverseanother direction of the flow of the fluid.
 16. The method of claim 15,further comprising: reversing a third direction of flow of the fluidthrough a third passage defined in the body defining a sixth portion ofthe fluid flow channel; and flowing the fluid through a fourth aperturedefined through the plug defining a seventh portion of the fluid flowchannel in the reverse third direction of the flow of the fluid to alocation proximate the outlet of the body.
 17. The method of claim 13,further comprising flowing the fluid through the fluid flow channelcomprising a zigzag pattern to elongate the fluid flow channel.
 18. Themethod of claim 13, further comprising reducing a pressure of fluidtraveling through the fluid flow channel between the inlet and theoutlet.
 19. A method of flowing fluid through a fluid flow controldevice, the method comprising: in an open position of a plug positionedat least partially within a housing the fluid flow device, aligningopenings in the plug with connecting passageways in the housing todefine a fluid pathway having three or more stages between a fluid inletand a fluid outlet of the fluid flow device; and in a closed position ofthe plug, at least partially inhibiting fluid flow along the fluidpathway between the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet with the plug. 20.The method of claim 19, further comprising, in the open position,defining the fluid pathway comprising a zigzag pattern to elongate thefluid pathway.
 21. The method of claim 20, further comprising flowingthe fluid through the zigzag pattern of the fluid pathway as the fluidpathway gradually increases a cross section between the fluid inlet andthe fluid outlet.